Fossil site dating back millions of years discovered near J&K's Aharbal

Preliminary investigation reveals that the fossils date back to the Ordovician and Devonian periods. Experts estimate that the fossil site may be between 488 and 354 million years old. However, more research and carbon dating can provide solid information.

Kulgam (Kashmir): In a historical and important discovery of Jammu and Kashmir, two lecturers from the Kulgam district have discovered a huge fossil site in the Aharbal area. Experts estimate that the fossil site may be between 488 and 354 million years old. However, the exact date can only be determined after radiocarbon dating.

The fossil site was discovered by two lecturers Manzoor Javed and Dr Rauf Hamza when they came here for fossil hunting. Fossils are said to be the preserved remains of any living thing from the geological period of the past. The new fossil site is not only Jammu and Kashmir's but also Asia's largest fossil site.

The site is located at a distance of about two kilometres from Aharbal waterfall in the Kulgam district and is full of fossils. Manzoor Javed said that thousands of fossils can be seen above the ground without any excavation, which indicates that a large deposit of fossils may be underground.

He said that if the potential areas of the site were excavated, it could reveal an amazing fossil world to the scientific world and that these fossils are millions of years older than dinosaurs. He said that the most common organisms found during this period are related to bryozoa, trilobites, crinoids, brachiopods, corals, etc. He demanded that the government ensure the safety of the place and set up a fossil museum.

Immediately after the discovery, officials from the Department of Archeology, Forests and other related departments visited the site and found out more about the find. According to the department, construction work of a museum will be carried out on the site so that palaeontologists, geology researchers and students from all over the world can visit the site and understand the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

The samples will be sent to the Baba Atomic Research Center (BAARC), according to Archives, Archeology and Museum officials. The age and prints of these fossils could not yet be confirmed. It needs to be found out through serious research and carbon dating. However, in terms of fossil presence, area, diversity and age, it is the largest discovery in Jammu and Kashmir.

Most of the fossil sites in Jammu and Kashmir have been discovered by either foreigners or professionals. However, this is the only discovery in the region by amateur fossil hunters. Currently, the Zion area on the outskirts of Srinagar is considered to be the oldest fossil site in Kashmir.